While the City of London seems to be increasingly all about vertiginous glass towers, Threadneedles Hotel is a luxury five star hotel that charms with its contemporary take on a historic building.
An Autograph Collection hotel, Threadneedles is a 74 bedroom boutique hotel set in a converted Victorian bank hall. Many original features are still present, including the walnut walls, cool marble floors and the lobby’s spectacular stained glass cupola, which dates back to 1856.
The City location of Threadneedles, in the heart of the bustling Square Mile, is ideal for business during the week, however on weekends it’s peaceful and less crowded than central London. For a cultural weekend stay, it’s conveniently close to St Paul’s, Tate Modern, Spitalfields, Borough Market and not far from shopping in Covent Garden.
On arrival, we were greeted by the warm, friendly staff and invited to sit at the desk to check in. We were also offered a complimentary welcome drink of Prosecco, orange juice or chilled water, which we could take to our room.
Our Studio was spacious with a separate comfy seating area and a plush king-size bed. It is designed in a palette of chartreuse, light grey and cream, with dark wood highlights and bold blue artwork. Room features include a large Samsung LCD HDTV, a large work desk with electrical hub, three fitted wardrobes, iPod docking station, Nespresso machine, a kettle with a selection of black and herbal teas, plus hot chocolate and speculoos biscuits.
The sumptuous king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, covered with the most exquisite monogrammed linen and plump goose down pillows. I loved the black and white photograph mural featuring London’s picturesque embankment.
Thoughtful extras really give Threadneedles the five star edge – branded umbrellas, a luxurious Italian bathrobe and embroidered slippers, complimentary shoe shine, free wifi, a choice of newspaper delivered in the morning and two complimentary large glass bottles of mineral water at turndown. We also enjoyed a plate of the most delicious hand-made chocolates filled with fresh strawberry mousse as a welcome gift.
The windows overlook the top of the lobby dome, so natural light is limited and the room can feel a little dark in the evening. However, the clever lighting gives it a romantic, relaxed feel.
The large limestone bathroom boasts both a separate bath and a rainfall shower. There is a full set of bathroom amenities by The White Company, large fluffy towels and a trolley filled with glossy magazines, which can also be used to store bath and beauty products.
Bonds Restaurant & Bar is unfortunately closed on the weekend, however breakfast can still be taken there in the morning. For a pre-dinner aperitif or a night cap, the stylish lobby offers an honesty bar stocked with premium spirits and soft drinks.
As I’ve already visited and loved Bonds and its outstanding Modern British food, we couldn’t resist a lazy Sunday morning with breakfast served in the room.
Breakfast at Threadneedles is a big affair with very generous portion sizes and top quality ingredients. I went for the full works with the English breakfast (£22.50). My breakfast included the most delicious freshly-squeezed orange juice, a pot of English breakfast tea and a cooked breakfast of two perfectly poached eggs, an abundance of smoked streaky bacon, a well-seasoned ‘rare breed pork’ Lincolnshire sausage, black pudding, flavoursome bubble and squeak, a large grilled flat mushroom and grilled tomato.
The breakfasts come with a choice of a basket of morning pastries or toast with butter and preserves. They are certainly not small, offering three full size pastries and six slices of toast, so it’s best to order one of each and share.
Steven ordered The City breakfast (£22.50), which includes the most delicious freshly-made warm waffles, bacon, berries, creme fraiche and maple syrup and all of the same extras.
Best of all, check-out time on Sundays is at 1pm, so you can enjoy a proper lazy Sunday while reading The Independent in the heavenly bed.
Threadneedles Hotel is an ideal place to stay for a weekend break in London, with museums and shopping just a short walk away. The historic building is full of character with a relaxed lobby scene, while rooms feel comfortable and private. It really is a tranquil haven in the middle of London’s buzzing City.
For more information and booking, visit: www.autographhotels.com
Chérie City was a guest of Threadneedles Hotel
Photos by Chérie City and Threadneedles Hotel
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